Buhari to announce preference as his input to APC primary
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Muhammadu Buhari will before May 30 announce the man he prefers to succeed him in Aso Rock, a source in the President’s inner circle disclosed at the weekend, reconfirming he indeed has someone in mind as he said in January.
Buhari will personally announce his choice – or tell his trusted aides whom to support, then the name will leak to the media, the source explained.
All Progressives Alliance (APC) National Secretary Iyiola Omisore has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the party’s presidential primary is scheduled for 30 and 31 May.
“I won’t tell you my favourite [presidential candidate] for 2023; he may be eliminated if I mention him. I better keep it a secret,” Buhari told Channels Television in January.
So he has a preferred candidate. Keeping the name close to his chest does not mean he cannot tell close confidants, including Aisha his young wife who has a huge influence on him. Or tell another trusted member of his kitchen cabinet.
Nigeria is not Buhari’s personal estate. At some point, he will discuss national matters with someone with whom he rubs minds.
This source, who is in the Presidency, clarified that Buhari would not allow all the APC presidential aspirants contest the primary without his input.
The source said: “You saw how he handled the race for the chairmanship of the party? Was it rancorous? No, it was not. The President knows what to do at the right time.
“The man, who is the national chairman of the party today, was not even in the race in the beginning. And he said so when he assumed office. He said he was never interested about a month before the election.
“The President knows the characters of those in the race. He knows their antecedents and what they can do or how they will behave when they get to power. So, he will never allow the party to go into the primary without giving direction.
“Have you ever seen an incumbent who is not interested in who his political party will present as his likely successor? Even the Governors are equally doing the same thing at the state level.”
“So, I am sure the President will speak next month before the presidential primary. He is a tactician. He knows how to handle such a delicate matter.”
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Buhari studying the field
The Aso Rock source, who spoke to The PUNCH, said Buhari is studying the aspirants, their attitudes, actions, backgrounds, and other metrics before he personally announces his choice or tells his trusted aides whom to support.
APC members who have declared their run for President are
- Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
- Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello
- Ebonyi Governor David Umahi
- Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi
- Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige
- Former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu
- Former Abia Governor Orji Kalu (now a Senator)
- Former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha (now a Senator)
Buhari had expressed fear that his favourite candidate might be “eliminated” if he disclosed his identity.
“It [the 2023 presidential election] is not my problem,” asked about it on Channels Television in January
“I am not interested. I believe that whoever wins the poll should be sworn in as the next leader of Nigeria.
“All important things have been documented. No one should ask me to appear before the court to give evidence on any issue [public funds]. All important things are already on record. I am sure about that ….
“I won’t tell you my favourite [presidential candidate] for 2023; he may be eliminated if I mention him. I better keep it a secret.”
APC presidential primary
The letter Omisore wrote to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, dated 6 April, notified the electoral umpire of the dates and schedule of primaries for the election of candidates for President, Governors, and other posts.
“This serves as a formal notification, pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.
“Kindly arrange for your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly. While hoping to receive your cooperation, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem,” the letter read in part.
